Found a lionel gantry crane and want have lateral movement.
Found the article on how to do it but I am NO electrician....
Want to go from the transformer through a DPDT reversing the polarity, using diodes to a DC hobby motor as I saw was suggested.
Found written directions as to how to do it but I can't follow them.
Could any of you guys provide a simple diagram for an electronically challenged beginner
Thanks
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Where are the written instructions? The crane controls already have rotation and hook movement, are you talking about moving it along the layout? You'll need some sort of jackscrew or a cable arrangement to provide movement. You probably also should have rails for it to ride on.
Here's a diagram from Lionel for their controller for a modern reproduction of the 282 Operating Gantry Crane. (from Lionel's "Parts Lists and Exploded Diagrams" Supplement 12 .
Susan, I read that query as wanting to move the whole crane, not a problem with the original crane. Of course, maybe that's not what he's asking, maybe he'll clarify.
I published an article in 2008 outlining a simple lateral movement setup for the Lionel gantry crane. Would be happy to email it to you if desired.
I'd like to see that Bob. 
I would love to see it, too, Bob.
To answer your question, you need an AC supply, a full-wave bridge rectifier, and a DPDT switch, preferably momentary with center-off.
The rectifier has 4 terminals.
Two are two AC inputs, and they are generally labeled either "AC" or with the symbol for alternating current: " ~ " There is no polarity issue with wiring the inputs.
Two are two outputs and they are labeled minus and plus " - " and " + " Those are where the DC comes out.
http://www.radioshack.com/prod...sp?productId=2062530
The + and - outputs of the rectifier are wired to the center (common) terminals of the switch. The outputs are wired like this:
Arthur, I'm guessing Bob had just a bit more in his article than a DPDT polarity reversing switch!
Maybe. The OP wanted to learn the electrical circuitry, so I obliged.
(QUOTE) Could any of you guys provide a simple diagram for an electronically challenged beginner? (END QUOTE)
I'm sure he'll let me know if my information was inadequate, but thank you for your input.
Maybe. The OP wanted to learn the electrical circuitry, so I obliged.
(QUOTE) Could any of you guys provide a simple diagram for an electronically challenged beginner? (END QUOTE)
I'm sure he'll let me know if my information was inadequate, but thank you for your input.
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